Speedweeks revs up Flagler economy

While one of 43 drivers will be celebrating a Daytona 500 win Sunday, Flagler County is already in the winner's circle as far as Speedweeks 2012 is concerned.

"Everyone we've talked to is full or close to full," said Georgia Turner, vice president for tourism development at the Flagler County Chamber of Commerce & Affiliates, referring to area hotels and campgrounds in the county. "I think it's just a great thing for us that race fans are finding the ease of coming to Flagler County from the speedway."

John Seibel, owner of Thunder Gulch Campground on U.S. 1, Bunnell, said he has seen a spike in business because of the races.

"We probably have 15 campers here for the race and we get people in the bar and restaurant," he said. "It certainly has helped us."

Seibel said despite the distance race fans have to travel to get to and from the speedway, Flagler County is becoming a popular destination.

"We have entertainment in the bar six nights a week and I think it's a little more fun staying here than it is in most campgrounds," he said.

Seibel is not the only one experiencing a strong Speedweeks.

Tom Grimes, general manager at the Hilton Garden Inn off of State Road 100 said 70 percent of the guests in the hotel are there for the races.

"We've been full every night since Sunday night," he said. "We're really happy."

Grimes said it's not unusual for business to pick up during race week, but the numbers seem better than ever this year.

"We've historically done well for race week, but it has been getting stronger and stronger each year," he said.

Grimes said he's not sure why race fans are discovering Flagler County but he has seen comments posted to online travel sites from people saying Flagler County is a good place to stay because it isn't really that far from the track.

"That's the first time I've seen that on the Internet," he said. "We're just thrilled to death."

The spike in business shows the county's tourism marketing campaign, touting Flagler as "The Quiet Side of Florida," may be paying dividends.

Turner said another piece of the marketing strategy was a promotion in the Orlando area offering race tickets. She said about 1,300 people signed up for the contest.

"It's definitely looking like race fans are discovering Flagler County is a great place to come during the races," Turner said.

It's not just the big race on Sunday that's attracting visitors to the county.

Turner said hotels and campgrounds also saw a bump in business for the Rolex as well as for other Speedweeks activities leading up to the 500.

"It's looking good right now," she said.

Housing market shows signs of revival

The wave of optimism that was apparent at the International Builders Show in Orlando earlier this month appears to have some staying power.

Local developer Jim Cullis is poised to begin a project in Beverly Beach (see the full story on page 1A) and said things are looking stronger in the state's housing market.

Cullis, who is also president of Grand Haven Realty, said traffic at the upscale development in Palm Coast is on the increase.

Cullis said he is seeing the same thing around the state, through a consulting business he has. He said visiting projects in Stuart and Naples he has seen the same thing, with more prospective homebuyers coming out.

Cullis said despite the optimism people are feeling, nobody is taking anything for granted when it comes to the housing market.

"Everybody who's been through this process has learned that whatever they thought, they were wrong," he said.

Still, with more people visiting and looking to live in Flagler County, it is hard not to be at least a little optimistic.